Operation: Reboot in Dallas

In the pharmacy I work at, we experience a lot of computer problems. Some blame the system we run on, some blame the computers, and a few may consider it operator error, but either way, we experience our share of technical difficulties. We call our corporate helpdesk, and without fail, the first piece of advice is always the same: “Turn it off, then turn it back on.” You’d think we’d quit calling and just do that from the start now, but we don’t; and sadly enough, it usually works! What does that have to do with the world of sports? I’m glad you asked…

I’m from a small town in Kentucky, and I don’t have Jerry Jones’ phone number, nor does he have mine. However, I wish he would call me about this fiasco in Dallas just for a minute. I’d tell Mr. Jones it’s time to turn it off and turn it back on. The Cowboys need to reboot.

If you listen to the media and fans, they all have a different idea on who should take the blame for the 1-6 Cowboys, but when it comes right down to it, it’s hard to pinpoint one person. Maybe Wade Phillips isn’t a quality head coach. Maybe Tony Romo isn’t a great leader. Maybe nobody on either side of the ball gives enough effort to deserve a win. Actually, all of these points are true, which is why it’s time to reboot the system in Big D.

Let’s take a minute and start at the top. Phillips wasn’t the answer when he got hired and he’s not the answer now. No one can question that Phillips is a good coordinator, but he’s just not capable of being the head man for an NFL team. .I fully understand that Jerry wants a head coach who he can control (explaining why Parcells didn’t work out), but you also need a head coach who’s capable of coaching. I’m not sure if you’ve seen a Dallas game over the last few seasons, but more camera shots of Phillips than not show a man who looks like he’s in over his head on the sideline.

Phillips isn’t the only member of the coaching staff who deserves some of the heat. Jason Garrett was the hot name among potential coaches a few short seasons ago; now, I’d be willing to bet the teams who passed on him are glad they did. Keep in mind, a lot of rumors had Baltimore as a front runner as his first head coaching stop. Think they’re glad they went with Harbaugh? The offensive coordinator in Dallas has to take the heat for a team that ranks 31^st in rushing offense, averaging only 80.9 yards per game. I understand that Marion Barber is no Chris Johnson, but that offense shouldn’t be behind teams like the Browns (Peyton Hillis), Tampa Bay (LeGarrette Blount), and the Packers (Brandon Jackson).

What about the on-field issues? I’m a firm believer that if the QB gets such a huge majority of the credit, he deserves a lot of the blame as well. Before any Romo fans jump up and tell me how good of a passer he is, let me stop you: I know he puts up good numbers. Having said that, there’s more to being a quality QB than numbers. Is Romo really leading the Cowboys? Is ANYBODY really leading the Cowboys? I understand that he’s out now, and I’m not trying to kick a guy when he’s down, but I’d like to see Romo in a new environment. As far as numbers go, he’s a top 12 QB, but I just don’t think it’s a good fit in Dallas.

So, Jerry maybe it’s time to turn it off and turn it back on. Go ahead and write the first season in “Jerry Land” off as a loss. You won’t be the first team to play the Super Bowl at home. I’m not a Cowboys fan, but I believe the NFL is better when the Cowboys are elite. It’s comparable to how baseball is better when the Yankees are in the playoffs, and basketball is better with the Lakers/Celtics battling for supremacy. So how do we return the Cowboys to greatness?

Jerry, throw some money at Bill Cowher. You’ve got the cash, now make it work for you. Give up on the idea of having a coach who you can manipulate and bring in a football guy. I understand that a lot of people think Bill will coach his hometown Panthers, but money talks. After replacing Phillips with Cowher, it’s time to find a new O-Coordinator. Get Cowher whoever he wants.

What about Romo? There are teams who’ll be looking for a new QB after this year; trade him to one of those teams, then use the high draft pick that you’re horrible record will get you to bring in Andrew Luck out of Stanford. I’m against starting rookie quarterbacks so you’ll have to do something else. Enter: Donovan McNabb. As far as skills go, he’s got them, and he’d be a veteran presence on what needs to be a young team in 2011. Not to mention, he’s gotta be nearing the end of what’s shaping up to be the NFC East with the honeymoon obviously ending in DC.

There ya go Jerry, I know I’m calling for wholesale changes, but maybe it’s time to just turn it off and turn it back on Dallas. If not, things like this are going to continue to be the most interesting part of a Cowboys football game: http://www.newkerala.com/news/world/fullnews-78102.html